Electric radiator



Aprll 4, 1950 G. L. APPELL ELECTRIC RADIATOR Filed April 12, 1948 Qlnfimiur GEORGE LOUIS APPELL.

Patented Apr. 4, l-QSO {pH-UNITED STATESIYPATENT OFFICE George Louis Appell, Baltimore, Md.

Application April 12, 1948, Serial No. 20,457

This invention relates to heating equipment and more particularly to radiators of the conventional building type. The purpose of this invention is to provide a new and improved type of radiator structure that will avoid one or more of the disadvantages and limitations of the previous types.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved radiator that can effectively use electricity and water in a most efiicient manner.

'A'further object'of'the' invention is to provide a new and improved radiator that is applicable to a combination of electricity and water particularly, and in addition employs a special arrangement for conveying the heated air in the room.

Other objects will become apparent as the invention is more fully set forth.

For a. better understanding of the invention reference is made to the appended drawings, which together with the following description detail a particular form of the invention, by way of example. In addition the general scope of the invention is emphasized in the claims.

In the drawings:

Figure l is an end view of a radiator embodying this invention with parts broken away to show its inner construction,

Figure 2 is a plan view of Figure 1, partly in section, and

Figure 3 is a sectional elevation taken along line 3-3 of Figure 2.

Similar reference numerals refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.

In the construction shown in the drawings, a radiator unit comprises outer and inner shells III, II and M respectively, which have their inner passages l2, l3 and 36, arranged for water and/or steam to flow through. The shells are vertically disposed and integrally connected to one another by under and upper cappings r spacers I5 and 35 which also have the horizontal passages 16 and I! through them respectively and are conventionally constructed to facilitate circulation of water therein. Suitable piping connections l8 are used for the supply, and draining of the water from the unit is taken care of by the cock 31. In addition a thermostatic control is utilized for controlling the temperature of water through the manipulation of a switch in the electric service in the conventional manner. This electric service provides current for a series of thermoelectric elements 22 fastened horizontally across the unit in spaced planes, as indicated in Figure 1. The elements 22 are insulated by bushings 23 that serve to prevent short-circuits. The plates 24? 5 Claims. (Cl. 219-38) retain heat bypreventing the air from flowing too rapidly from the unit to the room While being heated. The cappings l5 and 35 are restricted between the shells so that such restricted portions served as spacers. In between the spaces between the shells l0 and over the spacers l5 and 35 are mounted thin plates 24 of conducting material. These serve as guides and enclosures for the air entrained within the space about the shells of the unit. The plates 24 are of general rectangular form insertable in grooves 25 provided in the walls of the shells Ill. The plates 24 are curved at their upper portions 26 to fit on and against the spacers 35 and give the unit a complete appearance as well as prevent the coating of the inside surfaces with dust and lint. These plates 24 are removable easily and enable the user to attain access to the interior readily when desirable. Legs 21' hold the unit off the floor or surface on which they rest. An under plate 28 mounted as shown, protects the underneath portion of the unit and by reason of its curvature guides air to the shells to be heated or circulated. The end plates 34 help to retain the air inside the spaces around the shells.

The structure has a number of advantages over the prior forms of radiator. The heating elements 22 may be connected in series or parallel as may be preferred, in accordance with conditions. By arranging them in rows as shown, they provide for a uniform distribution of heat to the shells and the water in them. This keeps down the temperature required of the elements and thus tends to give them longer life and reduced wear. The heating electrical elements are kept out of contact with the water and radiator metal and thus this device is not dangerous to the user. Conventional forms frequently insert the electrodes of the heating elements bodily and directly in the water and have frequently caused death by electrocution or severe shocks. The elements 22 being enclosed, transmit most of their heat, to the inner and outer shells. Any excess heat derived passes oil into the room by radiation or otherwise. Since the elements are placed outside the inner shells they can be readily installed and do not require special fittings to do so. The plates 24 retain the air inside. This gives a uniform temperature to the unit throughout. This also retains the air and prevents the distribution of dust and the tendency to create wall dust shadows about the unit. Everything being enclosed, the danger of fire is eliminated. Each unit can be controlled separately if desired and thereby enable heating of a building to be localized. The elements 22 are connected to the electrical supply by connectors 40 as noted in the drawings. The plates 24 are heated directly by the elements 22 in addition to the heat received from the shells.

While but one general form of the invention is shown in the drawings and described in the specifications, it is not desired to limit this application for patent to this particular form, as it is appreciated that other forms of construction could be made that would use the same:

principles and come within the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed 1. A radiator unit comprising a longitudinal series of tranverse nested shells, said series of nested shells having connecting channels at the top and bottom thereof, a series. of electrical heating elements extending longitudinally of the radiator unit on spaced planes between the top and bottom channels, said heating elements being mounted between the outer walls of said nested shells, and the space within said shells communicating with said top and bottom channels.

2. A radiator unit as set forth in claim 1, said unit having an end wall at each end, insulating means carried by said end walls, means for securing said heating elements to said insulating means, and current carrying wires connected to said heating elements extending through said insulating means.

3. A radiator unit comprising a longitudinal series of transverse nested shells, heating means extending between the outer walls of said shells, a series of removable plates extending on either side of the longitudinal axis of the unit between adjacent transverse nested shells, and means carried by the outer walls; of said shells to guide and. maintain said plates in position.

4. A radiator unit as set forth in claim 3, said heating means comprising electric heating elements extending longitudinally of the unit in spaced planes along two vertical planes on either side of the longitudinal axis of said units.

5. A radiator unit as set forth in claim 3, spacing members between adjacent nested shells, said plates having curved ends to conform with the contour of said spacing. members.

GEORGE LOUIS APPEIL.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the.

file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

